DP World has reached a major milestone in the Ndayane deep-water port project in Senegal, completing primary dredging operations 13 months ahead of schedule. The construction site currently employs over 1,000 people, and the accelerated pace of work will allow for an earlier start on the construction of berths and other key maritime facilities. The port is expected to be completed in 2028.
The project involved extensive dredging to deepen a 5-kilometer navigation channel, a 600-meter diameter turning basin, and an 875-meter berth area designed to accommodate the world’s largest container ships, including Triple-E class vessels. The work was carried out using two of the world’s largest dredgers. Although over 95% of the excavated material consisted of hard rock with a strength exceeding 100 megapascals, the use of advanced rock-cutting technology enabled completion without blasting, thereby minimizing environmental impact.
DP World notes that the Ndayane port will become Senegal’s new primary deep-water container hub and strengthen the country’s role as a logistics center for West Africa. The $1.2 billion project represents the largest private investment in Senegal’s history and aims to expand trade opportunities, create jobs, and improve regional transport connectivity. Since 2008, the company has invested approximately $340 million in modernizing the terminal at the Port of Dakar, increasing its capacity from 265,000 TEU to 850,000 TEU by 2025. Located approximately 50 km from Dakar, the new Ndayane port is set to drive further development of international trade and the country’s domestic logistics routes.
